How to Make Henna Color More Vibrant

Henna is a plant that has been used for centuries for beauty procedures such as body art and hair coloring. The plant creates a striking burgundy dye when the leaves are broken. Traditionally, henna is prepared by drying and grinding the leaves. The dried leaf powder is reconstituted with water or an acidic substance such as lemon juice. This creates a thick paste that is easy to control and can be applied very precisely, allowing for the creation of intricate designs on the skin. Henna can be applied to both hair and skin, resulting in a range of color from brown to rich copper. This color can be made more vibrant by adding ingredients to the henna mixture and by helping the oxidation process through body heat.

Instructions

1. Add terpenes to your henna paste mixture. Terpenes are a plant-based substance found in many essential oils. When used in a henna mixture, these solvents facilitate the henna stain. Tea tree oil, ravensara and cajeput essential oils contain high levels of terpineol and are relatively safe for topical use. Add 2 to 8 drops of oil to your mixture and allow the mixture to rest 4 to 48 hours before application to either your body or hair.

2. Wrap your henna. This applies whether you have used henna as a hair color or as a body art dye. Heat brings out the natural color of henna, so designs that appear mildly orange at application can darken to a deep, vibrant henna color simply through body heat. Use plastic wrap or cling film to cover your hair or henna design, keeping body heat in and enhancing the color of the henna.

3. Avoid water, especially chlorinated water, for the first 24 hours after application. Water and chlorine can affect the oxidation process, which is what causes your henna design to go from orange to a rich brown color. Avoid soaking in hot water, which can speed the demise of your henna design or hair color.

Tips & Warnings

• Always read the label on any ingredient you add to henna. Preparations for darkening henna may be unsafe.

References

• The Henna Page: "Terp" your henna for fast, safe, dark stains!
• Picasso Experts: Application of Henna